Keurig Dr Pepper has introduced the new Keurig Alta machine that uses the new K-Rounds plastic-free pods, a new form of single-serve coffee.
K-Rounds pods are created from expertly roasted coffee beans that are ground, pressed, and wrapped in a proprietary, protective plant-based coating that preserves the coffee’s flavour and aroma. Most importantly, this eliminates the need for plastic or aluminum.
The new K-Rounds plastic-free pods will work in the new Keurig Alta brewer as part of a reimagined Keurig system that allows consumers to make a variety of hot and cold barista-style beverages, from an espresso with crema to a standard cup of hot coffee or a chilled cold coffee. The Alta will continue to be compatible with existing K-Cup pods as well.
The Keurig Alta will go through various beta testing phases so customers can provide feedback on its ongoing development. The first beta testing phases will begin as early as fall 2024. Keurig says it will leverage learnings from these trials, as well as strategic engagement with and insights from its retailer and coffee brand partners, to refine and optimize the system before making it available for broader sale to consumers.
“Thirty years ago, Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introduction of the K-Cup pod single serve coffee system,” says Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort. “Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come.
“Our ambitious agenda,” he continues, “reflects our commitment to providing variety, quality, value, and sustainability to the 45 million North American coffee consumers who currently use Keurig brewers and the millions of potential new households who will discover the benefits of a perfect cup of coffee prepared effortlessly in their home.”
The plastic- and aluminum- free design of K-Rounds allows for brewing at both high pressure for espresso-based drinks and low pressure for drip coffee, cold or hot. The pods will come in different sizes for specific types of coffee beverages and will be marked with a code that the Keurig Alta brewer automatically reads to determine the pressure and extraction profile needed to get the full flavour, aroma, and richness of each coffee variety.
After brewing, K-Rounds plastic free pods can be disposed of like coffee grounds and are expected to be certified compostable: Keurig is currently working through the certification process.
As part of Keurig’s intellectual property for its manufacturing design and processes, KDP has acquired a perpetual license to know-how and technology invented by Delica Switzerland for its CoffeeB system in Europe. This includes proprietary plant-based coating and application processes. KDP’s partnership with Delica grants Keurig exclusive rights to use and build upon these technologies for consumers across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Visit www.keurig.com/krounds to sign-up to receive updates about Keurig’s future innovation, including the potential to be selected as a Beta tester of a Keurig Alta brewer prototype as early as this fall.